subject: Trying Out Something New In Beihai [print this page] China is a nation that is synonymous with the production of consumer items. It is no wonder that almost every tourist that visits the country goes in search of bargains and spends a good portion of their holiday in the nations shopping districts. For visitors that arrive in Beihai, Gulf Square is probably one of the foremost locations on their itinerary as it an acclaimed shoppers paradise.
Though many would feel that this idyllic seaside city is a far cry from the busy metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing, the Gulf Square shopping district proves all doubters wrong with its eclectic collection of shops and malls that stock every imaginable product under the sun.
The two major shopping malls in Beihai, the Guotong Center and the Hualian Department Store, are both located in this area. Shopping malls are great haunts for shoppers looking to buy trendy up-market clothes at rock bottom bargain prices. But the real treasures of Gulf Square are to be found in the quaint little boutiques that deal with Chinese antiques and traditional ornaments. Exquisite brass work and intricate designs of wood dominate the displays of these shops; a visual feast for window-shoppers.
Due to the citys close proximity to the sea and its long history as a port town, a number of seafood restaurants can be found in this area. Interesting local delicacies such as dishes of sand maggots and sea cucumber can be enjoyed here. In addition, more familiar western recipes like lobster, clams and oyster can be found in most of the European restaurants in Gulf Square.
Tourists can also wonder through the areas busy agricultural markets to check out the local produce and even enjoy some of the indigenous fruits, such as the mysteriously named Dragon Eyeball. Beihai hotels can be found with in close proximity to the Gulf Square and a Beihai luxury hotel here, such as the Shangri-La Hotel Beihai, offers travelers excellent access as well as great accommodation options.
